FIA News: F1 star hit with astonishing 60-PLACE FIA grid penalty

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F1 star hit with astonishing 60-PLACE FIA grid penalty

An F1 star has been dealt a major blow to their Belgian Grand Prix

Originally written by Sheona Mountford. This version is a translation.

Friday 26 July 2024 23:00

An F1 star has been slammed with an astonishing 60-place grid penalty for the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Penalties at Spa are a frequent occurrence, with the circuit providing plenty of opportunities to overtake if a driver receives a grid drop.

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At the 2022 Belgian GP Max Verstappen climbed from 14th on the grid to take a race victory, in a spectacular display.

The Dutchman has opted to use a fifth internal combustion engine this weekend, which exceeds his allotted allowance over one season, and will take a 10-place grid drop on Sunday.

Max Verstappen will receive a 10-place grid penalty

Spa is renowned for its overtaking opportunities

Yuki Tsunoda will start at the back of the grid at Spa

The Japanese driver is on his fifth Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Turbo Charger (TC) Motor Generator Unit - Heat (MGU-H) and Motor Generator Unit - Kinetic (MGU-K), exceeding his allowance.

Furthermore he will use his third Energy Store and Control Electronics, opting for a full change to his power unit.

Yuki Tsunoda will receive a 60-place grid penalty

The use of each additional element incurs a 10-place grid penalty, culminating in a 60-place drop in total.

However, the Sporting Regulations detail that if a driver accrues ‘more than 15 cumulative grid position penalties [they] must start from the back of the grid.’

Whilst Tsunoda will start the grand prix at the back, Verstappen can start no higher than 11th depending on where qualifies on Saturday.

Max Verstappen FIA Yuki Tsunoda Belgian Grand Prix Red Bull Racing Spa